LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Cardinals football team is gearing up for a pivotal showdown this weekend, as they prepare to face a formidable opponent in their upcoming game. With an unblemished 4-0 record through the first month of the season, Louisville is riding high, but their undefeated streak will be put to the test when they host the No. 24-ranked Virginia Cavaliers at L&N Stadium. The highly anticipated matchup is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, promising an electrifying atmosphere as both teams vie for supremacy in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Despite their perfect record, Louisville has not always played at the peak of their potential. Fans and analysts alike have noted that the Cardinals’ performances have been inconsistent at times, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by areas needing improvement. This game against Virginia represents a critical opportunity for Louisville to prove they can elevate their game against top-tier competition. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, are coming off a monumental victory that has boosted their confidence and standing in the ACC. Last week, Virginia pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the then-No. 8 Florida State Seminoles in a thrilling contest at Scott Stadium. That win has solidified Virginia’s reputation as a team to watch, and it sets the stage for a high-stakes battle this weekend.
The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams’ aspirations in the ACC. A victory for Louisville would solidify their status as a legitimate contender for the conference title, while Virginia could further cement their place among the ACC’s elite with another marquee win. Both teams, however, are navigating challenges beyond the X’s and O’s of the game plan, as injuries have become a key storyline heading into Saturday’s clash. On Thursday evening, the ACC released its initial availability report, shedding light on the health status of key players for both Louisville and Virginia.
For the Cardinals, the injury report offered a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Running backs Isaac Brown and Duke Watson, who were listed as questionable for Louisville’s previous game against Pitt, both managed to suit up and contribute. In the first availability report for the Virginia game, both Brown and Watson were upgraded to “probable,” signaling a strong likelihood that they will be available to play. Defensive end Wesley Bailey also received a “probable” designation, which is encouraging for Louisville’s defensive front. However, running back Keyjuan Brown, who was sidelined for the Pitt game due to injury, remains “questionable” for Saturday, leaving his status uncertain as the team finalizes its game plan.
On the Virginia side, the injury report brought a sigh of relief for Cavaliers fans, particularly regarding their quarterback. Chandler Morris, who suffered a thumb injury during the Florida State game, was notably absent from the injury designation list, indicating that he is expected to be ready to lead Virginia’s offense. This is a significant development, as Morris’s health and performance are critical to the Cavaliers’ success. However, Virginia is not without its own injury concerns. Depth running back Noah Vaughn and starting center Brady Wilson were both ruled out for the game, which could impact Virginia’s offensive depth and line stability.
With less than 24 hours until kickoff, the ACC provided further clarity on Friday night by releasing the second availability report for the Louisville-Virginia matchup. This updated report offered a more detailed look at which players are likely to take the field and which ones will be sidelined, giving fans and coaches a clearer picture of what to expect.
Here is the complete second availability report for both teams:
**Louisville Cardinals**
**Out:**
– Linebacker #6 Stanquan Clark
– Defensive Back #7 Rodney Johnson
– Quarterback #17 Travis Egan
– Running Back #33 Jamarice Wilder
– Running Back #43 Shammai Gates
– Offensive Lineman #76 Tyler Folmar
**Questionable:**
– Defensive Back #13 Justin Agu
– Running Back #22 Keyjuan Brown
**Probable:**
– Running Back #1 Isaac Brown
– Defensive Lineman #23 Wesley Bailey
– Running Back #26 Duke Watson
**Virginia Cavaliers**
**Out:**
– Cornerback #1 Dre Walker
– Wide Receiver #2 Andre Greene Jr.
– Defensive Back #7 Ja’Maric Morris
– Cornerback #9 Jam Jackson
– Wide Receiver #23 Triston Ward
– Running Back #28 Noah Vaughn
– Running Back #29 Davis Lane Jr.
– Safety #38 Armstrong Jones
– Offensive Lineman #50 Wallace Unamba
– Offensive Lineman #54 Makilan Thomas
– Defensive Lineman #56 Tyler Simmons
– Offensive Lineman #63 David Wohlabaugh Jr.
– Offensive Lineman #71 Monroe Mills
– Offensive Lineman #76 Brady Wilson
– Wide Receiver #80 Trevor Ladd
**Questionable:**
– None
**Probable:**
– Punter #38 Daniel Sparks
– Wide Receiver #82 Eli Wood
The updated report underscores the challenges both teams face as they prepare for this critical contest. For Louisville, the probable status of key contributors like Isaac Brown, Duke Watson, and Wesley Bailey is a positive sign, as their presence could bolster the Cardinals’ offensive and defensive units. However, the questionable status of Keyjuan Brown and Justin Agu adds an element of uncertainty, as their potential absence could force Louisville to adjust their game plan. The players listed as “out” — including linebacker Stanquan Clark, defensive back Rodney Johnson, and others — represent depth concerns that could test the Cardinals’ roster resilience.
Virginia, on the other hand, faces a more extensive list of absences, particularly along the offensive line, where Brady Wilson, Wallace Unamba, Makilan Thomas, David Wohlabaugh Jr., and Monroe Mills are all ruled out. These injuries could hamper the Cavaliers’ ability to protect quarterback Chandler Morris and open running lanes for their backs. The absence of running backs Noah Vaughn and Davis Lane Jr. further depletes Virginia’s backfield depth, putting additional pressure on the remaining skill players. The loss of wide receivers Andre Greene Jr., Triston Ward, and Trevor Ladd, along with several defensive backs, could also limit Virginia’s flexibility on both sides of the ball. However, the probable status of punter Daniel Sparks and wide receiver Eli Wood provides some optimism for the Cavaliers’ special teams and passing game.
As both teams finalize their preparations, the injury reports highlight the importance of depth and adaptability in a game of this magnitude. Louisville will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage at L&N Stadium, where the energy of the crowd could play a significant role in their performance. The Cardinals’ ability to execute their game plan while navigating their injury challenges will be critical to maintaining their undefeated record. For Virginia, the opportunity to build on their signature win over Florida State and establish themselves as a true contender in the ACC adds extra motivation. With Chandler Morris cleared to play, the Cavaliers have a chance to lean on their quarterback’s leadership and playmaking ability to overcome their injury setbacks.
This matchup promises to be a defining moment in the 2025 college football season for both programs. The winner will not only gain a crucial edge in the ACC standings but also send a message to the rest of the conference about their championship aspirations. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on L&N Stadium to see which team can rise to the occasion and seize this opportunity to shine.